Tag Archives: supply chain management

Kraljic Matrix: Sourcing a Strategic Supplier – Are YOU a Good Fit for THEM?

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Paul Adams

This article explores the key factors that contribute to attracting and retaining strategic suppliers (outlined in the Kraljic matrix) while highlighting the importance of humanized supplier relationship management. By understanding the needs and aspirations of suppliers, cultivating trust, and avoiding … Continue reading →

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Sourcing & Manufacturing In China For E-Commerce Sellers [Interview By Proboxx]

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Adrian Leighton

Our CEO Renaud was recently interviewed on Proboxx‘s YouTube channel about sourcing and manufacturing in China. They’re a company that helps sellers manage logistics. We’re grateful for the invite! 😉 Specifically, he shares some advice for Amazon resellers and new … Continue reading →

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China’s Borders Reopen to all + What is Applying for a Business Visa like? [Podcast]

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Adrian Leighton

Renaud and Adrian from Sofeast share the positive news that China is reopening its borders to all travellers today, March 15th 2023, because they are starting to issue tourist visas now. After 3 years of Covid-driven entry restrictions, we look … Continue reading →

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Exploring Apple’s Chinese supply chain and manufacturing success, but are they too reliant on China? [Podcast]

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Adrian Leighton

Renaud and Adrian explore how Apple built a successful Chinese supply chain, how they control bringing new products to market, and whether its ‘reliance’ on China might be a double-edged sword. Their ‘best practices’ could benefit SMEs who are also … Continue reading →

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9 Cost-Cutting Measures Importers Will Love! [Podcast]

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Adrian Leighton

Renaud and Adrian cover a topic that most importers, regardless of where they are manufacturing in the world, will value: cost-cutting! There are 9 measures you could use to reduce your business costs here ranging from fairly low-hanging fruit, such … Continue reading →

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7 Reasons Why Your Supplier Won’t Let You Visit Their Factory

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Renaud Anjoran

Around 10 to 20% of the time suppliers demand payment from our clients before they allow an auditor, or even just a visitor, to visit the factory. As you can imagine, this makes factory audits and quality inspections difficult! Let’s … Continue reading →

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How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast]

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Adrian Leighton

Sofeast’s CEO Renaud and Adrian from the team get together to discuss how and why to improve your visibility over your supply chain. NOT knowing who produces your components, materials, or even assembles your products can land you in hot … Continue reading →

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6 best Practices When Working With Contract Manufacturers In China

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Renaud Anjoran

As we’ve written before, importers have a choice of supplier types when sourcing a manufacturer to outsource production to in China. Let’s assume that you’ve discounted working with an OEM or ODM, and your focus is on finding contract manufacturers … Continue reading →

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Sofeast’s Top 10 Blog Posts Of 2021

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Renaud Anjoran

2021 has been an eventful year, to say the least! Here at Sofeast, we have continued to publish regular blog posts in order to provide advice for everyone who has outsourced manufacturing, supply chains in Asia, new products in development, … Continue reading →

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My Supplier Keeps Going Missing, Even When We Have Orders In Progress! | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 10)

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Renaud Anjoran

It can be very frustrating when a Chinese supplier isn’t responding to your messages when you have an order that you’ve already paid for in production, have urgent issues to discuss, or simply want to place an additional order. Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

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